Nigerian nanoscientist, professor Ijeoma appointed head at university of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge has revealed that Professor Ijeoma Uchegbu, a distinguished expert in Pharmaceutical Nanoscience, will assume the role of the seventh President of Wolfson College, one of the prestigious institution’s 31 colleges.

The news, conveyed through a statement titled “Wolfson elects Professor Ijeoma Uchegbu as the College’s 7th President,” has sparked anticipation for the future of the college under her leadership.

Professor Uchegbu, renowned for her pioneering work in nanoparticle drug delivery, is set to take over the reins from the current President, Professor Jane Clarke, starting October 1, 2024.

Currently serving as a Professor of Pharmaceutical Nanoscience at University College London, Uchegbu’s contributions to the field have been transformative, particularly in understanding drug transport mechanisms.

The official statement from the university highlighted Uchegbu’s significant accomplishments, stating, “Her work has won her numerous awards, fellowships, and accolades.”

Notably, she has played key roles in academic boards and councils, including the Wellcome Trust and the Academy of Medical Sciences, while also being an honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Beyond her academic achievements, Professor Uchegbu has been a trailblazer in addressing societal challenges.

Her efforts in developing new treatments, such as the enkephalin pain medicine candidate (EnveltaÔ), designed to tackle the opioid crisis, underscore her commitment to advancing healthcare.

Having held roles as Pro Vice Provost for Africa and the Middle East at UCL, Professor Uchegbu has been instrumental in forging research partnerships and serving as UCL’s Provost’s Envoy for Race Equality, contributing to the organization’s race equality agenda.

Expressing her excitement about the new role, Uchegbu stated, “I am so thrilled to be joining Wolfson College, an ambitious and forward-thinking College. It will be an honor to lead such a lively, diverse, and engaged student community in an environment where people are stimulated culturally, socially, and intellectually.”

In response to the announcement, the outgoing President, Professor Clarke, extended her congratulations, saying, “I congratulate Ijeoma for being elected President of Wolfson College. If she finds being the leader of the ‘Wolfpack’ half as rewarding as I have, then I can assure her that she will enjoy herself immensely.”

Professor Uchegbu’s journey to leadership is a testament to her academic prowess and dedication to making a positive impact. Raised in South East Nigeria and Hackney, she completed her pharmacy studies at the University of Benin in 1981 before pursuing her master’s degree at the University of Lagos.

After returning to the UK, she earned her PhD at the University of London in 1997 under the supervision of Alexander (Sandy) Florence, the Dean of the School of Pharmacy.

Her academic journey also included a stint as a lecturer at the University of Strathclyde from 2002 to 2004.

As Professor Ijeoma Uchegbu assumes the presidency, the academic community eagerly anticipates the innovative strides and transformative leadership she will bring to Wolfson College, enriching the intellectual landscape at the University of Cambridge.